VIDEO Croatian fans sing American classic under the rain, police and FIFA amazed: 'We were the only ones to do this!'
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Croatian football fans in Philadelphia sang John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" before a World Cup match, drawing praise from local police and FIFA.
- The spontaneous performance under the rain was captured on video and shared online, highlighting the fans' unique atmosphere.
- The Croatian team later won their match against Ghana, securing advancement in the tournament, with coach Zlatko Daliฤ thanking fans for their support.
Croatian football fans in Philadelphia created a memorable scene before their team's World Cup match against Ghana by spontaneously singing John Denver's classic hit, "Take Me Home, Country Roads." The unexpected performance, which took place under the rain, garnered attention and praise from local police and even FIFA officials.
A video of the event, shared on the "Mi Hrvati" (We Croats) Instagram profile, shows a group of fans enthusiastically singing the 1971 American folk song. The song, often associated with West Virginia and American culture, became a symbol of the fans' unique way of celebrating and supporting their team.
The coolest story, we were the only ones to do this, and we received thanks from the police, the city, and FIFA
"The coolest story, we were the only ones to do this, and we received thanks from the police, the city, and FIFA," the "Mi Hrvati" group stated, expressing pride in their initiative. The fans' spirited display contributed to the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the crucial match.
I have to thank them, maybe there were more of them than in Rotterdam, where there were 35,000. Everywhere you look, checkerboards. It's a special moment when the chorus of the song 'My Homeland' comes, the whole stadium hugs. That motivates us and lifts us even more
Following the fan's performance, the Croatian national team, known as the "Vatreni" (Flames), secured a victory against Ghana, advancing them to the next round of the tournament where they are set to face Portugal. Head coach Zlatko Daliฤ acknowledged and thanked the fans for their unwavering support, noting its significance.
"I have to thank them, maybe there were more of them than in Rotterdam, where there were 35,000. Everywhere you look, checkerboards. It's a special moment when the chorus of the song 'My Homeland' comes, the whole stadium hugs. That motivates us and lifts us even more," said Daliฤ, drawing parallels to the strong support during the 2023 Nations League final in Rotterdam. He emphasized how the team feels the support of Croats worldwide, making him proud and happy that the national team unites Croatian fans wherever they go.
This team unites the Croatian people wherever it goes. I hope we continue like this.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.